By The Window

I never thought I'd feared death, but
now I feel it, I hear its footsteps
slowly walking up and down the hallways.

Do I just sit here scared and wait for it?
Or meet him in the hallways and
look him in his hollow eyes?
I wish I had the time to choose.

This tea's been in my hand
for almost an hour now, untouched.
It's purpose was to warm my hands
now I'm warming the cup.
In my ancient, second-hand mind,
a look out the window is most fulfilling.
The clouds, birds and their song
were never this beautiful.

I'm as ready as I'll ever be,
and I've heard enough birds sing,
but you just take your time.


(Competition poem - The Long Sleep)